Meet IAS officer Ravikant Rao, whose innovative approach and relentless dedication transformed "Dewas", a drought-prone district in Madhya Pradesh, into a lush green landscape.

Once an arid region facing severe water scarcity, Dewas now boasts 16,000 ponds across 60-80 acres and supports over 1,000 farmers earning more than Rs 25 lakhs annually.

This remarkable transformation was made possible through Ravikant’s combination of commitment and strategic thinking, which not only revitalized Dewas but also inspired neighboring districts to adopt similar strategies.

THE STORY

When Ravikant Rao took charge as the District Magistrate of Dewas in 2006, he encountered a region struggling with acute water shortages. Farmers were unable to secure loans for constructing ponds, essential for irrigation and water storage.

The severity of the drought was such that Dewas had to have water delivered by train, highlighting the dire need for a sustainable solution to water scarcity. Confronted with this challenge, Ravikant realized that addressing water issues was crucial for the district’s survival and prosperity.

Drawing on his background as a civil engineering graduate, he developed an innovative model for water conservation that also emphasized economic benefits. He introduced the concept of "Jal Bachao Labh Kamao" (Save Water, Earn Profit), encouraging large-scale farmers to invest in building ponds on a small portion of their land.

This model not only promoted water conservation but also provided an opportunity for farmers to increase their income, creating a win-win situation.

THE DEWAS MODEL

• In 2006, the District Collector, along with agriculture officials and NGOs, persuaded around 40 large landholding farmers in Dewas to dig farm ponds. These ponds, ranging from ½ to four acres and at least 10-12 feet deep, were designed to capture rainfall and divert water from the surrounding land.
• He led meetings and trained farmers to construct ponds without external aid, emphasizing the importance of using subsurface water for irrigation and saving rainwater for winter crops.
• Dewas’ soil composition, with minimal water percolation, made it ideal for retaining rainwater, enabling farmers to grow additional winter crops.
• The underlying principle of the Dewas Model was to involve large farmers, who used about 90% of the water resources, in groundwater recharge through pond construction. This initiative not only helped conserve water but also promoted a cycle of social justice, encouraging farmers to give back to the community.
• By investing in pond construction, large farmers set a precedent and became role models for smaller and marginal farmers, fostering a community-driven approach to water conservation.

SUCCESS

• This success story helped break down barriers and build confidence among other farmers and banks. As more farmers experienced the benefits of the Dewas Model, its popularity grew, and banks began offering loans to small farmers at lower interest rates.
• The model’s success in Dewas inspired neighboring districts like Vidisha, Ratlam, Mandsaur, Ujjain, and Raisen to adopt similar water conservation strategies, spreading prosperity across the region.
• The Dewas model was recognized by the United Nations in 2011-12 as one of the top global water management practices. Since then, Ravikant Rao’s model has been implemented in various drought-prone regions, including Bundelkhand, Marathwada, Latur, and Chandrapur.
• Today, Dewas is a testament to the power of innovative thinking and community collaboration. With over 16,000 ponds now dotting the landscape, the district has seen a 20-fold increase in irrigated land, transforming it into a region of abundance and growth.

Signs of Prosperity.

• The signs of prosperity are visible everywhere: functional tube wells, solid houses, and expensive cars indicate the improved quality of life for the local population.
• Beyond the obvious natural benefits, farm ponds have provided Dewas farmers with many intangible advantages. Previously, farmers stayed up late to irrigate fields because electricity was available only at night. Now, with their own water supply, they use diesel pumps during the day, reducing stress and late nights.
• The ponds retain water most of the year, maintaining soil moisture and ecological balance, increasing biodiversity, and bringing back agriculture-friendly insects and birds.
• Inspired by this success, farmers from drought-hit regions like Bundelkhand and Marathwada have started digging similar ponds.

CONCLUSION

Ravikant Rao’s visionary leadership and determination have not only rejuvenated Dewas but have also set a benchmark for sustainable development in water-scarce regions.

His approach has demonstrated that with the right mix of innovation, community involvement, and strategic planning, it is possible to turn even the most challenging environmental issues into opportunities for growth and prosperity.

The same approach can be applied to other districts in states like Punjab and Haryana, where farmers face similar challenges, to help them achieve water sufficiency and growth.